Chicago-area Jewish and Palestinian organizations are gearing up for memorials and demonstrations around the one-year anniversary of militant group Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza.
One candlelight vigil in the north suburbs will begin about the same time Hamas launched the initial attacks in Israel.
The vigil, at the Northbrook Community Synagogue, 2548 Jasper Court, will start at 10:30 p.m. Sunday. It will include prayers for the 1,200-plus people killed in the Hamas attacks and the additional 100 people who remain held hostage.
“This solemn gathering is a time to stand together as a community, reflect on the events of that day, and move forward in collective strength,” the Northbrook Community Synagogue said in a statement.
The Chicago-based U.S. Palestinian Community Network will stage a demonstration on the Magnificent Mile that will be followed by a march Saturday afternoon. The event seeks to memorialize the more than 42,000 Palestinians killed in Israel’s raids and bombings that followed the Oct. 7 attack.
The group, which has organized many demonstrations throughout the year, will also continue to call on the U.S. government to end its military support for Israel.
“We have never seen this kind of intensity of Palestine support organizing in the history of our community’s existence in the U.S.” said Husam Marajda, co-chair of the Chicago chapter of USPCN.
Organizers with Students for Justice in Palestine also are planning walkouts at various universities, including University of Chicago and DePaul University, on Monday.
Here are some other events in the Chicago area that are scheduled in the next week to recognize the Oct. 7 attack:
MedGlobal yearly conference to highlight medical volunteers in Gaza
What: MedGlobal, a humanitarian group that provides medical aid in crisis zones around the world, holds yearly conference with speakers including medical professionals who have volunteered in Gaza over the past year.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday
Where: Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile, 7th Floor, 540 N. Michigan Ave.
“We Will Dance Again” documentary screening
What: Screening of “We Will Dance Again,” a documentary about the stories of survivors from the Nova Music Festival, which was bombed on Oct. 7 in Israel.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N. Broadway.
If Not Now memorial gathering
What: If Not Now, an American Jewish group that opposes the Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip and West Bank, hosts a memorial called “Every Life, a Universe: A Chicago Memorial Gathering for Palestinian and Israeli Life.”
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: AIDS Garden Chicago, 3154 Belmont Harbor.
Jewish United Fund’s Young Leadership Division
What: The Jewish United Fund’s Young Leadership Division offers a space in Ravenswood for sharing and reflecting on the past year.
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: Attendees must register for the event to obtain location details.
Jewish United Fund memorial
What: Jewish United Fund invites community members to mourn and stand together in support of Israel.
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Attendees must register for the event to obtain location details.